APPLY & CONTACT

Application for the program is made through American University’s Study Abroad office, with review of applicants by the program directors. The program carries 3 hours of graduate credit as a studio course through the Department of Art’s MFA program; participation in the Berlin program without enrollment in the course is not possible.

Transfer of credit to your home university should be explored with the administrators of your current program. AU Abroad can help with questions regarding enrollment and transfer of credit.

Applications are not yet being accepted. Please check back soon or contact the program director to be notified when the application period begins.

Program Costs

This program provides all on-site fees, resources, and services (see below for list) in the course tuition. Please see the American University costs per credit hour here. When applicable, graduate financial aid, scholarships, or stipends may be applied to program costs. An additional administrative fee of approximately $500 is also required.*

The following are provided within the course tuition paid:

Course tuition

Studio space

Housing

Local transport (universal pass for subway, tram, and buses)

Visiting artist program

Student insurance

Admissions to group and special events

The program tuition and fees do not provide:

Airfare

Meals and incidentals

Other cost considerations:

Meals and groceries:
Though meals and other daily expenses are paid by the participants, it’s worth noting that food costs in Berlin, especially at the supermarket, are often even lower than most metropolitan American locations. This kind of expense is also, of course, something you’d spend whether in Berlin or at home – and can sometimes be less than the home budget for these expenses.

Transportation:
This is another cost to look at closely. Within the program fees are passes allowing you full access to the extensive U-bahn (the underground), S-bahn (the higher-speed above ground trains), the street trams, and the buses. Within central Berlin it’s unusual to have to walk more than a block to some form of dependable public transportation. Transportation costs at your home location, whether public transport or buying gas, are therefore another out-of-pocket from your home budget that is covered by the program.

Materials:
Studio material costs vary dramatically from one artist’s practice to another, and how you choose to enable your studio production within the framework of the program is entirely up to the individual. Many materials or necessary equipment can be brought with you, or you may choose to take the opportunity to work with found materials, public space, or other less financially-dependent practices. That is all to say that budgeting for your studio practice is, as always, up to the individual and their goals.

CONTACT

This program has been organized and will be supervised on-site by AU Associate ProfessorAndy Holtin. Andy has extensive experience working with the arts community in Berlin, through exhibitions, workshops, and previous study abroad courses. He has a thorough knowledge of the city’s many resources for artists, and also speaks the language.

Professor Holtin can be reached at holtin@american.edu. Please feel free to contact him with any questions about the program, the application process, or funding.